The Viking Spirit

The Vikings (also known as the "Wikings," depending on the pronunciation preference of various Icelanders) settled in Iceland over 1000 years ago.  Although I am not well-versed in their history, I do know that their spirit is alive and well here.  And there is nothing barbarian about it.

Competition is prevalent between the North and the South, but it is a happy rivalry.  Every school child plays three sports, but Iceland still manages to have the highest literacy rate in the world at over 99%.  Higher education is paid for here, and all Icelanders learn, in addition to their native Icelandic language, English and Danish.

Environmentally, Iceland wins hands down on sustainable living.  They make use of the geothermal hot springs to heat their homes and water, and produce is grown year-round in massive greenhouses.

All rescue work in Iceland is volunteer.  If a tour bus returns minus one passenger, an all-out effort will be made by volunteers to find and return that passenger.  (No, this did not happen to me.)

But it was on the issue of gun control that I was most impressed.  Most Icelanders own guns, some registered, some not, but they are only used for hunting.  You may not use a gun to protect yourself, your family or your home.  The penalty for doing so is a lengthy prison term, not worth the price.  Even the police do not carry guns.  Or billy clubs.  Or any other weapons.  (I think maybe they get to carry a small amount of pepper spray.)  Their purpose is to serve and protect, and Icelanders believe that guns will only cause a situation to escalate into something worse.

Currently, in the entire country of Iceland, there are 84 criminals in prison.

I am told that the Viking Spirit can be summed up in a very few words:  "We can do it."  I am in love with that spirit.